HISTORY repeated itself once again at Hartridge RFC this season, with the club celebrating a fourth league and cup double in as many years.

First XV skipper Mike Wrench led his side to the Division Three East A championship, pipping Caerphilly by a point, and the Newport & District Cup thanks to victory over Caerleon in the final.

Hartridge will continue their remarkable rise next term when they take their place in Division Two East alongside the likes of Blackwood, Pill Harriers and Cwmbran.

Speaking about Hartridge’s ongoing success, secretary Ross Palmer said: “The goal this season was to try and be in the top three or four of Three East A.

“I think a lot of sides wrote us off at the start of the season but the boys dug deep and exceeded all expectations.

“We only lost one league game all season and won the title, and we finished above established teams like Caerphilly.

"We’re a small club that hasn’t even got full WRU status yet but it has been the best season we’ve ever had.”

He added: “We’re a real community club and everyone who plays for us is from the local area.

“People give up their time to help and I think that’s what bonds the club.

“Everyone is the same, from the chairman to the players, and hopefully that will continue.

“We know next season is going to be tough for us but we’re hoping to be up there come the end of it.

“We are looking for a few players to come in but the core of the squad is strong enough to challenge again.

“We’ve done the double for the past four years but I don’t think we’ve hit our top gear yet.

“If we keep working hard then we can still go up a few more levels.”

Palmer paid tribute to director of rugby Mark Wheeler and coaches Dave Stanworth and Steve Pritchard.

He also hailed the work of Kieran Pugsley and Richard Torjeson, coaches of the second XV and under-12s respectively – the club is looking to start a women’s team as well.

Hartridge’s end-of-season presentation evening takes place at Rodney Parade this Saturday, with number eight Matthew Reed and full-back Dex Lewis likely contenders for awards.

The two men both scored an incredible 30 tries over the course of the season.

Meanwhile, pre-season training gets under way on July 6 and it is during the summer that the club hopes to put in place the required measures to achieve full member status of the Welsh Rugby Union.